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Air Force

Air Operations Officer

OFFICER | Full Time, Part Time

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Overview Training Entry plans Part time options
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    • Overview

    As a member of the military, Air Operations Officers command, control, and coordinate air and space forces in tactical, operational, and strategic environments. They are expert in planning, directing, and leading air and space operations, leveraging experience developed at tactical units and formations to integrate those effects in higher-level joint, combined, and pan-domain operations and campaigns.  Typical employment areas include unit and wing operations and command positions, air and space operations centres, joint ops and plans, in RCAF and CAF strategic roles, and with allies and partners in standing and deployed C2 nodes and headquarters.

    Work environment

    Air Operations Officers may be employed across the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), though typically within the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). They typically begin their careers in flying or space squadrons/wings to develop capability-specific awareness.  Following this, they may branch out into other capabilities or bring their expertise to bear on operational and strategic operations. They may also be employed in force generation activities as diverse as project management and requirements capture and tracking.

    Air Operations Officers work alongside officers of the other air operations occupations.  They bring an outside view of the aircraft to RCAF operations to complement those who begin their RCAF journey from inside an aircraft.  They may be employed around the world from anywhere where air and space operations are based.  This includes headquarters, airfields, ships, or in the field with the Army.  They provide expertise in rescue coordination centers, headquarters and project offices.

    If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

    Career Overview

    Transcript

    MAJOR KENDRA BENCUN: I'm Major Kendra Bencun from Calgary, Alberta, an Air Operations Officer currently posted to 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Garrison Petawawa, Ontario.

    In the Royal Canadian Air Force, Air Operations Officers assist in mission planning, tasking, coordination and monitoring of air and space operations at the tactical, operational and strategic levels. At squadrons and headquarters here in Canada, they directly support air and space operations and lead Air Operations Centres. And they are experts in the stand-up and operation of Air Operations Centres wherever the RCAF deploys around the world.

    MAJOR KENDRA BENCUN: The Air Operations Officer will be essentially the orchestrator of everything that happens on an airfield or on an operation, and essentially that means coordinating all elements that make everything flying work – from the meteorologists that will provide the baseline for decisions to launch aircraft to cleaning snow off the airfields, to being able to launch the aircraft and then recover them at the end of the day.

    Air Operations Officers work alongside officers of the other air operations occupations like Pilots, Aerospace Control Officers and Aerospace Engineering Officers.

    Air Operations Officers can be employed around the world, anywhere where air and space operations are based. This includes headquarters, airfields, ships, or even in the field with the Army. They also provide operations expertise in rescue coordination centres, headquarters and project offices.

    MAJOR KENDRA BENCUN: The dynamic nature of operations means that this occupation needs to ensure that we have strong leaders because you are the centre point of contact for everyone and they rely on you for your sound judgment and calm nature.

     

    MAJOR KENDRA BENCUN: In my previous occupation, I was involved in only one portion of the planning cycle, and now I get to encompass all of them. A very satisfying thing for me is that I can be that rock that can provide guidance and decision-making when there are people that are unsure on where they should proceed. And that is one of the most satisfying things that I see as an Air Operations Officer.

    On completion of their military and occupation training, Air Operations Officers typically begin their careers in flying squadrons or wings to develop capability-specific awareness, after which they may branch out into other areas. They can also be assigned to project management and other staff activities.

    MAJOR KENDRA BENCUN: For new members into the Air Operations occupation, it is expected that you will go to a first-line unit, which essentially means you will go to a flying squadron, which will allow you to learn all of the aspects of an operations centre at a low level and be able to be involved with the front line and launching of aircraft. You will be expected to coordinate and learn every section that's under the Operations Centre to ensure that you quickly understand how operations and air missions work.

    MAJOR KENDRA BENCUN: My career thus far has been very rewarding and challenging, and I love the work that I've done, and I'm excited to move on to a new chapter in the Air Operations occupation. It's a very exciting time and we have the ability to be involved in every aspect of air missions, and I'm excited for the challenge.

    Related Civilian Occupations

    Although this occupation has no direct related civilian job, the experience, skills and leadership abilities developed in this position are highly valued by employers.

    Training

    After enrolment, Air Operations Officers begin their career by successfully completing the Basic Military Officer Occupation Qualification training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Canadian Armed Forces, basic weapons handling, and first aid. Opportunities will also be provided to apply such newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is also a vital part of the Basic Military Officer Occupation Qualification. This training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training and employment.

    Following Basic Military Officer Qualification training, official second language training may be offered. Training could take from two to nine months to complete, depending on one’s second language ability.

    Learn more about Basic Training here.

    Air Operations Officers attend Barker College in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Basic Air Operations Officer Course is currently under development and is expected to be approximately 18-20 weeks in duration.

    This training will help prepare you for the roles and responsibilities of the Air Operations Officer.  The course includes interactive lectures, guided exercises, practical exercises, demonstrations, distance learning, guided discussions, and guest lecturers. During this course, Air Operations Officers in training, will receive instruction and training in the following areas:

    • Conduct of air operations communications;
    • Planning of flight operations;
    • Management of flight operations;
    • Management of airfield operations;
    • Coordination of Emergency Response Plans; and
    • Management of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

    Further training is required as an Air Operations Officer, including the successful completion of the Air Force Officer Development program and the Basic Space Operations Course.

    As they progress in their career, Air Operations Officers who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training in areas such as Air Requirements, Airworthiness, Project Management, and Operational Test and Evaluation. They may also be afforded the opportunity to complete related graduate training.

    Entry plans

    If you already have a university degree, the CAF will determine if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on-the-job training program following Basic Military Officer Qualification training.

    Regular Officer Training Plan

    Due to the requirement for CAF officers to hold a university degree, the CAF will pay successful recruits to complete a bachelor degree program in the Royal Military College System. Under this entry plan, recruits will receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for guaranteed employment in the CAF, for a defined period of service. Typically, candidates enter the Canadian Military College System as an Officer Cadet where they study subjects relevant to both their military and academic career. If applying for the ROTP, it is recommended that applicants apply to other Canadian universities concurrently in the event they are not accepted for ROTP.

    Learn more about our Paid Education programs here.

    Part time options

    There are part-time options for Air Operations Officer as well. Reservists generally work part-time for a Air Reserve Flight or an integrated squadron at their local Wing. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to work or move to another unit, flight or squadron. They may also volunteer for deployment on an operational military mission within or outside Canada.

    Reservists train with their home Air Reserve Flight or Squadron to ensure that they meet the required professional standards of the job. If additional training is required, in order to acquire specialized skills, arrangements will be made by their home Air Reserve Flight or Squadron.

    It is also possible to set up an “Individual Learning Plan” to take courses leading to a university degree related to this job and, upon successful completion, be reimbursed for up to 50 percent of tuition and other mandatory costs. Education fees for successfully completed courses are reimbursed up to $2000.00 per year up to a maximum of four years/ $8000.00, as long as the student was a reservist during the entire duration of the course(s).

     

    RCAF Reservists serve full-time while completing their occupation training and typically work up to 12 days per month at their home Air Reserve Flight or Squadron. They are paid 92.8 percent of Regular Force rates of pay and receive a reasonable benefits package.